Spanish Title: Prevalencia y caracterización de la población en condición de discapacidad del municipio de los santos (Santander, Colombia), 2011

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characterize the condition of disabled people in the municipality Los Santos, Santander in 2010 and 2011.
Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted using the tool of record “Survey of Persons with Disabilities and its attendant”. Physiotherapy and bacteriology students from the University of Santander (UDES), previously trained, collected the information by interview. We use descriptive statistics applying central tendency measures and absolute and relative frequencies.
Results: We found 108 people with disabilities; the prevalence of disability in this population was 1.3% (95% CI 1.1 -1.6), the place with the highest prevalence was Los Teres (9.4%; 95% CI 5.1-15.5). Of the 108 disabled people, 48% were female and 47.2% were between 15 and 44 years old. The body structure of more impairment was the nervous system with 64.8% and general tasks and demands were the most affected (57.4%). Problems with services, transport systems and policies, social security, health, and education were the main facilitator (57.4%).
Conclusion: Disability as a public health problem affecting the activities, participation, and performance of the people with disabilities decreasing their individual development and opportunities for integration into society.

Key-words: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, disability, disabled persons, prevalence.